The name Mahogany refers to trees or wood from a family of hardwoods called Swietenia Mahogani whose family members are found in many countries of the world. Mahogany is mainly used for making fine furniture, cabinets and decorative trim, although in years past it was a preferred material for boat and ship building due to its ability to resist water and bugs. Indeed, mahogany is used in the manufacture of certain pesticides.
It is important when building or buying mahogany furniture to select actual mahogany and not "Philippine mahogany", also called Lauan. This type of wood is not really mahogany and comes from an unrelated family of plants. Lauan is often used to make furniture and called mahogany but it is an inferior material for building mahogany furniture.
The various species of mahogany used for furniture making have become extinct in some areas of Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia and other south and central parts of the Americas, however grows in abundance in El Salvador, Honduras and other places. Mahogany furniture makers do have a stable supply source for making mahogany furniture because it is now being cultivated on plantations specifically for commercial purposes.
A mahogany tree can grow to be 150 feet tall with trunks as wide as 6 feet. When cut, mahogany produces a straight grain with a fine even texture. Mahogany is relatively free of voids and pockets. When making mahogany furniture, it is important that the wood be kiln dried and then inspected for warping before beginning construction of the furniture so that the finished product does not warp after manufacture. When prepared for use it is polished to bring out it natural colors whish are a medium red to a reddish brown.
Mahogany furniture is often used for making hand made, carved furniture and is also used in making fine antique reproductions. Mahogany furniture is solid and durable, and is often passed down in families for many generations. |
